5 lessons of long-distance running

Why run a marathon? For a spiritual journey as well as an athletic one, Lisa Swan (Guideposts, March 2018) would say. Chad Brower, strategic partnerships director for the Good Samaritan Society and an ultramarathon runner (an ultra is any race longer than 26.2 miles), would agree. Here he shares some life lessons of long-distance running:

1. Confidence

After his first marathon, in 2011, Chad got into running longer races. “Your confidence builds with each race, each distance you complete,” he says. “Ultrarunning has made me see myself in a different light as far as what I’m capable of. That applies to everything in my life. At work, for example, there’s no challenge that’s too great.”

2. Mental strength

“Beyond the marathon distance, it’s much more mental than physical,” Chad says. “Your mind says your body wants to quit. It comes down to how you can keep your head and not give up. Things can go wrong. You have to be ready for anything. Your inner survivor comes out.”

3. Leadership

Confidence, focus, positivity—all qualities honed by running—have helped Brower become a better leader, at work and at home. “I include my wife and sons in my training,” he says. “Your kids see you living with purpose, with fitness. That’s something they pick up on.”

4. Community

Chad is energized by the running community. Other runners have helped him reach his goals, including a running coach who wrote a training plan that led him to run more than a thousand miles last year. “I have a great support crew during races,” Chad says. “My wife is the main person. Nothing picks you up like seeing a familiar face at an aid station. Friends—and my youngest son—have run segments to pace me. I didn’t set out to inspire others, but it feels good to find out someone’s running because of what I’ve done.”

5. Spiritual connection

“The biggest eye-opener was discovering the spiritual component of long-distance running,” Chad says. “Church is more about fellowship. Trail running is my sanctuary. It’s very meditative. Out there alone on the trail, I feel more connected to my faith. Sometimes I pray while I’m running. Other times I just let my thoughts flow. You can hit the trail with a really congested mind. Then as you’re running, thoughts become clearer. Direction becomes clearer.”

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